The Story

Who I am

My name is Lola. I was born with a disorder that means I can't make certain hormones. Among those are testosterone and oestrogen. Doctors decided to give me sex hormones so I would develop "normally". Due to excessive bullying, I wanted this.

Now, my body causes me significant psychological distress. My chest is very uncomfortable and it just doesn't feel right. This is not just because of the size and physicality. It's also because it feels out of line with my agender identity.

Why I'm doing this

For the last five years, I've tried every way possible to get chest correction surgery on the NHS. I have tried going through several GPs who say my chest is not large enough. I've even gone through a Gender Identity Clinic, who have discharged me. They have basically said because I won't change my name, that I am not serious about it. And I'm now facing another 15 month waiting time should I request to be re-referred.

Even if I were to get referred for a reduction surgery through my GP, I may have to be psychologically assessed. This process can sometimes take more than a year. I just can't wait anymore.

I do not have the financial means to fund this myself. Saving the money would take another 2-3 years. And it would drain the rest of my savings, leaving nothing for even the possibility of starting a family. I am not on speaking terms with either of my biological parents. What little family I do have are poor or working class. Getting a loan is not very likely, as I've yet to even be able to get a credit card as an immigrant.

What this would mean for meI have been pursuing this for more than five years, though I've been very uncomfortable with my chest for longer. Getting my surgery would mean the world to me. It would mean that I would feel right in my body. It would mean that I could exercise without pain. It would mean relief. And it would mean no more tight sports bras and binders that cut into my skin and make hot days unbearable.

It would also mean that maybe agender people are taken a bit more seriously by gender identity clinics across the world. It would mean that people could see agender dysphoria and discomfort as something that needs to be addressed.

How you can helpDonate. Even if it's just £5, that's enough. Even if it's £3. Thus far I've had donations ranging from £3 to £100. Every little bit counts.

If you absolutely can't donate, please share this! The more people who see it, the better.

Other ideas include doing an event to raise money, doing a collection in the workplace, offering a service you do in exchange for a donation to my campaign. Any of it works. Unfortunately, I can't offer material rewards without this being seen as a material service that's taxed.

Fundraiser Updates

Posted on July 11, 2017

Posted on July 11, 2017

Hello folks! Well, it's been a long slog. I originally started this fundraiser in March 2015 and to date I've raised a little over 75% of the funds which has been an enormous help. Thanks to some great luck in my life, I've got the ability to pay off the rest of this on my own without help and I won't be needed to fundraiser further, so I'll be closing this down.

Thank you so much for everyone's help. This has been such a difficult time but you've made something incredibly important to me possible. If you'd like to continue to help me, feel free to become a Patron of my writing.

Posted on May 5, 2017

Posted on May 5, 2017

Win a free print!

A friend of mine, Fox Fisher, has generously donated a free print to me and I decided to have a bit of a competition! All donations of £5 or more made from 10pm tonight until 10pm next Friday 12 May 2017 count as an entry to win a free print! If you're chosen, you can select one of the three offered prints.

Posted on April 15, 2017

Posted on April 15, 2017

Hello everyone! I'm doing well! I decided to do another update today since I'm feeling pretty good and I'm getting back on my bike. I wanted to let people know how things are going and make a little last ditch poke for help. Especially since this is the first time I've been excited about summer!!